EP2180534B1 - Energieumwandlungsvorrichtungen und Verfahren - Google Patents

Energieumwandlungsvorrichtungen und Verfahren Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2180534B1
EP2180534B1 EP08305734.9A EP08305734A EP2180534B1 EP 2180534 B1 EP2180534 B1 EP 2180534B1 EP 08305734 A EP08305734 A EP 08305734A EP 2180534 B1 EP2180534 B1 EP 2180534B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
source chamber
hot
conversion device
energy conversion
thermoelectric
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
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EP08305734.9A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP2180534A1 (de
Inventor
Thierry Dannoux
Paulo Marques
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Corning Inc
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Corning Inc
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Publication date
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Priority to EP08305734.9A priority Critical patent/EP2180534B1/de
Priority to JP2011534637A priority patent/JP2012508342A/ja
Priority to US13/125,396 priority patent/US20110197941A1/en
Priority to PCT/US2009/061764 priority patent/WO2010051219A1/en
Priority to CN2009801436960A priority patent/CN102197202A/zh
Priority to KR1020117012208A priority patent/KR20110075045A/ko
Publication of EP2180534A1 publication Critical patent/EP2180534A1/de
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Publication of EP2180534B1 publication Critical patent/EP2180534B1/de
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N10/00—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects
    • H10N10/10—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects operating with only the Peltier or Seebeck effects
    • H10N10/13—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects operating with only the Peltier or Seebeck effects characterised by the heat-exchanging means at the junction
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N3/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust
    • F01N3/08—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous
    • F01N3/10—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for rendering innocuous by thermal or catalytic conversion of noxious components of exhaust
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N13/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus characterised by constructional features ; Exhaust or silencing apparatus, or parts thereof, having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F01N1/00 - F01N5/00, F01N9/00, F01N11/00
    • F01N13/08—Other arrangements or adaptations of exhaust conduits
    • F01N13/10—Other arrangements or adaptations of exhaust conduits of exhaust manifolds
    • F01N13/105—Other arrangements or adaptations of exhaust conduits of exhaust manifolds having the form of a chamber directly connected to the cylinder head, e.g. without having tubes connected between cylinder head and chamber
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N5/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy
    • F01N5/02—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy the devices using heat
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N5/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy
    • F01N5/02—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy the devices using heat
    • F01N5/025—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy the devices using heat the device being thermoelectric generators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N10/00—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects
    • H10N10/10—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects operating with only the Peltier or Seebeck effects
    • H10N10/17—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects operating with only the Peltier or Seebeck effects characterised by the structure or configuration of the cell or thermocouple forming the device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N10/00—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects
    • H10N10/80—Constructional details
    • H10N10/85—Thermoelectric active materials
    • H10N10/851—Thermoelectric active materials comprising inorganic compositions
    • H10N10/855—Thermoelectric active materials comprising inorganic compositions comprising compounds containing boron, carbon, oxygen or nitrogen
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N10/00—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects
    • H10N10/80—Constructional details
    • H10N10/85—Thermoelectric active materials
    • H10N10/851—Thermoelectric active materials comprising inorganic compositions
    • H10N10/8556—Thermoelectric active materials comprising inorganic compositions comprising compounds containing germanium or silicon
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N2340/00—Dimensional characteristics of the exhaust system, e.g. length, diameter or volume of the apparatus; Spatial arrangements of exhaust apparatuses
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N2510/00—Surface coverings
    • F01N2510/06—Surface coverings for exhaust purification, e.g. catalytic reaction
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
    • Y02T10/12—Improving ICE efficiencies

Definitions

  • thermoelectric devices to convert waste heat from a reaction process.
  • present teachings are directed to a thermoelectric device that also is configured to perform catalytic conversion.
  • thermoelectric devices have been proposed as a way to increase the efficiency of power systems that rely on hydrocarbon fuels (for example, coal, gasoline, diesel fuel, etc.) as energy sources.
  • hydrocarbon fuels for example, coal, gasoline, diesel fuel, etc.
  • a fuel such as gasoline
  • diesel fuel about 34% of the energy is utilized.
  • thermoelectric recovery system may enhance the efficiency of hydrocarbon-powered vehicles by utilizing a part of the presently wasted thermal energy for direct electrical power conversion and could save the mechanical energy of the vehicles that is now used, for example by an alternator. This may result in a net saving of the overall chemical energy supplied by combustion of the fuel.
  • thermoelectric devices In many power generation applications, for example automotive applications, high temperature gradients exist. Therefore, it may be desirable to utilize thermoelectric devices to convert wasted heat energy to electrical energy, which may reduce environmental CO 2 , facilitate the ability to use lighter and less powerful engines due to decreased load on the engine to supply power, facilitate the use of smaller batteries since electrical power could be supplied from the thermoelectric module once the engine is started, and/or potentially eliminate or minimize the use of equipment such as an alternator.
  • thermoelectric device The ideal maximum output power of a thermoelectric device is highly dependent upon the thermal gradient. Accordingly, it may be desirable to place the thermoelectric device in a place where the temperature of exhaust gases from a combustion reaction is relatively high, for example, close to the engine block in an automotive application.
  • thermoelectric generator for an internal combustion engine and has thermoelectric generation elements arranged between a sleeve and a cooling portion to convert heat energy from the exhaust in the passage to electric energy. To reduce thermal stresses arising from the thermal gradient, the thermoelectric elements are arranged in a moveable manner between the sleeve and the cooling portions.
  • JP 2006 034046 A discloses an exhaust heat recovery apparatus for the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle.
  • the thermo-elements are formed from semiconductor element blocks formed from sintered thermoelectric materials.
  • the thermoelectric apparatus is placed in the exhaust system between the manifold and the catalytic converter.
  • US 2005/217714 A1 discloses an exhaust heat recovery system arranged in an exhaust path of an internal combustion engine.
  • the thermoelectric module has a cylindrical geometry and its operating temperature is adapted to high-temperature side ends and low-temperature side ends of the exhaust system.
  • thermoelectric devices in light of the configuration of those devices, including, for example, the materials from which such devices are made.
  • some conventional thermoelectric devices include materials that operate under relatively low thermal gradients, for example, less than about 100 °C.
  • thermal gradients for example, less than about 100 °C.
  • higher temperature gradients such as, for example, those encountered in post-combustion processes, including those in automotive applications
  • thermoelectric devices may not be able to withstand the associated thermo-mechanical stresses.
  • materials exhibiting a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion may result in differential expansion (dilatation) between the hot and cold sides of the thermoelectric device, thereby causing excessive strain on the thermoelectric elements in the device.
  • Toxicity presents another issue and may arise due to the use of materials from which some conventional thermoelectric devices are made, in particular for the materials from which thermoelectric p- and n-type elements are made. Particularly in consumer applications, such as, for example, automotive applications, the use of toxic materials may be undesirable.
  • the catalytic conversion system When performing catalytic conversion on combustion exhaust gases, such as, for example, in automotive applications, it also is desirable to position the catalytic conversion system within the exhaust gas flow proximate or at a location where those gases are hottest. Such a location may be desirable due to the delay that is often required to warm up a post-combustion catalytic conversion system to a temperature where the catalytic conversion reaction becomes relatively efficient (referred to as the light-off time). Prior to light-off, cold start pollution may occur.
  • thermoelectric energy generation Since both catalytic conversion systems and thermoelectric devices derive benefits from being positioned at a location of the exhaust gas flow having very high temperatures, it may be desirable to provide a device that combines catalytic conversion with thermoelectric energy generation so that both processes can utilize the high temperature exhaust gases.
  • thermoelectric device that is configured to and made of materials capable of withstanding relatively high temperature gradients and/or that does not pose toxicity issues.
  • the present teachings contemplate an energy conversion device comprising at least one hot source chamber configured to receive a hot fluid, wherein the at least one hot source chamber is configured to perform catalytic conversion of the fluid received therein, at least one cold source chamber configured to receive a coolant, and a plurality of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication with the at least one hot source chamber and the at least one cold source chamber, the thermoelectric elements being configured to create an electric potential when exposed to a temperature gradient, and the at least one hot source chamber and the at least one cold source chamber being formed from a material have a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 30 x 10 -7 °C -1 at temperatures ranging from 20°C to 1000°C.
  • the present teachings also contemplate a method for converting heat to electrical energy.
  • the method may include flowing a hot fluid through at least one hot source chamber formed from a material having a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 30 x 10 -7 °C -1 at temperatures ranging from 20°C to 1000°C, performing catalytic conversion of the fluid flowing through the hot source chamber, flowing a coolant through at least one cold source chamber formed from a material having a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 30 x 10 -7 °C -1 at temperatures ranging from 20°C to 1000°C, and creating a temperature gradient across a plurality of thermoelectric elements via thermal exchange between the plurality of thermoelectric elements and the at least one hot source and at least one cold source chambers.
  • the method also includes generating an electric potential via the plurality of thermoelectric elements.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an automotive vehicle engine block with exhaust pipes from each cylinder in flow communication with a respective thermoelectric generation and catalytic conversion devices in accordance with the present teachings;
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one of the thermoelectric generation and catalytic conversion devices of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a thermoelectric generation and catalytic conversion device in accordance with the present teachings
  • FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the hot source chambers of the thermoelectric generation and catalytic conversion device of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the engine block, exhaust pipes and thermoelectric generation and catalytic conversion devices of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of fins on an inner surface portion of a hot source chamber of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of thermoelectric elements and electrodes that may be used in accordance with the present teachings.
  • thermoelectric energy generation contemplate devices and methods that integrate catalytic conversion and thermoelectric energy generation. More specifically, the present teachings provide for utilizing a hot source chamber of a thermoelectric device as a catalytic conversion chamber. In this manner, both the exothermic catalytic conversion reaction heat energy and the post-combustion heat energy can be used for thermoelectric energy generation.
  • the device may be placed at a position in a combustion system proximate to a location at which exhaust gases have a very high temperature, thus presenting a relatively high temperature gradient environment for operating the thermoelectric device.
  • the combined thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device may be positioned just outside of the cylinder block, substantially at the highest temperature exhaust gas location. Such positioning may provide a maximum thermal gradient, and thus a large thermoelectric power generation from both exhaust gas and exothermic catalytic conversion reaction.
  • the present teachings further contemplate utilizing materials having a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) to form the substrates that define the chambers that circulate the hot and cold fluids.
  • CTE coefficient of thermal expansion
  • the present teachings contemplate using a monolithic glass ceramic structure for the hot and cold source chambers. Such configurations may better withstand a high temperature environment, including high temperature gradients, while also providing a relatively quick and efficient catalytic light-off effect.
  • materials having a relatively low CTE such as, for example, various glass ceramic materials, can enable the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device to withstand relatively high thermo-mechanical stresses without failure by minimizing differential expansion effects between the hot side and the cold side of the thermoelectric device.
  • such materials that also exhibit a relatively large heat capacity may enable increased catalytic reactions and faster light-off times.
  • the exothermic catalyzed post-combustion energy is used for enhanced thermoelectric energy generation.
  • thermoelectric generation and catalytic conversion devices Suitable materials exhibiting desirable CTEs that may be used to make the thermoelectric generation and catalytic conversion devices in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present teachings are disclosed in international patent application publication WO 2008/106099, which published September 4, 2008 , and is entitled "GLASS-CERAMIC THERMOELECTRIC MODULE," .
  • WO 2008/106099 also discloses various methods for making a thermoelectric device for use in post-combustion applications and such manufacturing methods also may be used to form the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion devices of the present teachings, with modifications as appropriate and as would be obvious to those ordinarily skilled in the art.
  • thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device configurations also may promote interaction of gases with catalytic sites, minimize space requirements, promote the ability to withstand vibrations, and/or eliminate the need for canning associated with some conventional catalytic conversion systems.
  • thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion devices described below with reference to the drawings are discussed with reference to automotive vehicle applications, those having skill in the art would understand that the exemplary embodiments may be useful in a variety of applications, such as, for example, stationary power plant and combustion systems, in which it may be desirable to convert waste heat to usable electric energy and/or perform catalytic conversion on various waste fluid streams.
  • FIG. 1 a perspective and schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a cylinder block 100 of a four-cylinder internal combustion engine is depicted with exhaust pipes 110 leading from each cylinder 120 to a respective integrated thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device 150 in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present teachings.
  • Post-combustion exhaust gases G from each cylinder 120 flow from the upstream exhaust pipes 110 through each of the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion devices 150 and exit out of downstream exhaust pipes 130, as shown by the arrows schematically representing the exhaust gas flow in FIG. 1 .
  • the integrated thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion devices 150 may have a substantially planar, layered substrate configuration, with central substrate layers forming a hot source chamber (e.g., configured to receive the hot exhaust gases from the cylinders 120) and the outer substrate layers forming cold source chambers (e.g., configured to receive a coolant), as will be described in more detail below.
  • a hot source chamber e.g., configured to receive the hot exhaust gases from the cylinders 120
  • cold source chambers e.g., configured to receive a coolant
  • a thermoelectric element layer which includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements.
  • thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device due to the materials disclosed herein for forming the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device, it may be possible to utilize a single thermoelectric device spanning across all of the cylinders of the engine and that would be able to withstand associated thermo-mechanical stresses.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an integrated thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device 150 in accordance with the present teachings.
  • the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 2 represents, for example, a cross-section taken in a plane of the device 150 lying substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the devices 150 illustrated in FIG. 1 (i.e., a plane parallel to the short sides of the devices 150).
  • the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device 150 includes a plurality, here two, hot source chambers 255 that are in flow communication with hot exhaust gas from the engine (e.g., via an exhaust pipe such as exhaust pipe 110 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 5 ).
  • the hot source chambers 255 also function as catalytic conversion chambers by incorporating a catalyst on inner surface portions of the chambers 255, as will be described in further detail below.
  • the hot source chambers 255 may have a cross-sectional area substantially the same as that of conventional exhaust pipes, but in a flatter aspect ratio.
  • the hot source chambers 255 may have a depth d of about 5 mm to about 20 mm, for example, about 14 mm, and a width w of about 30 mm to about 60 mm, for example, about 45 mm.
  • thermoelectric elements 272, 273 External to and on opposite sides of the hot source chambers 255, is a layer 270, 271 of thermoelectric elements 272, 273.
  • the layers 270, 271 of thermoelectric elements 272, 273 may be disposed substantially symmetrically on opposite sides of the substrates 282 and 284 that define the hot source chambers 255, thereby positioning the hot source chambers 255 substantially centrally of the overall device 150.
  • the thermoelectric elements may include p- and n-type thermoelectric elements 272, 273, respectively.
  • Electrodes 276 may be in electrical contact with adjacent elements 272, 273.
  • cold source chambers 275 On a side of each thermoelectric element layer 270, 271 opposite the hot source chambers 255 are cold source chambers 275 that are configured to receive a cooling fluid.
  • the chambers 275 may receive coolant via inlet and outlet ports 222, 224 from, for example, the automotive vehicle's cooling system (shown schematically as 1000 in FIG. 2 )..
  • thermoelectric elements 272, 273 are in thermal exchange with the hot source chambers 255 as a heat source on one side and with the cold source chambers 275 as a cooling source on the opposite side. Accordingly, as those with ordinary skill in the art are familiar, the temperature gradient across the thermoelectric elements 272, 273 from the hot source chambers 255 to the cold source chambers 275, may cause the thermoelectric elements 272, 273 to generate an electric potential and, with the electrodes 276, generate electricity. Electrical leads (not shown) may be placed in electrical contact with the electrodes 276 to conduct electricity generated from the device 250, for example, to an electrical storage device and/or directly to electronic and other components that can run off the generated electricity.
  • thermoelectric elements 773 may include a series of either p-type or n-type elements with S-shaped electrodes 776 used to connect the cold-side of one thermoelectric element to the hot-side of an adjacent thermoelectric element.
  • the thermoelectric elements 773 may be linked together on only one side, the hot side or the cold side. In the exemplary embodiment, the linkage of the thermoelectric elements 773 is at the cold source chamber 775.
  • thermoelectric elements 773 may reduce the risks of excessive strain exerted on the thermoelectric elements 773 associated with differential dilatation of the hot and cold sides by, for example, permitting end regions of the thermoelectric elements 773 opposite the cold source chamber 775 in FIG. 7 to move relative to one another.
  • Such a configuration for the thermoelectric elements and electrodes is described in more detail in international patent application publication WO 2007/065954 A1, which published on June 14, 2007 , and is entitled "THERMOELECTRIC DEVICE,”.
  • coolant from the automotive vehicle cooling circuit may flow through the cold source chambers 275, and the coolant may have a temperature ranging from about 65 °C to about 70 °C.
  • a temperature range may be desirable for thermoelectric element materials working at fairly high temperatures, for example, ranging from about 350 °C to about 850 °C.
  • the temperatures associated with the hot side of the temperature gradient are typically higher than in some conventional thermoelectric device applications, the temperatures of the cool side need not be as low as in those conventional applications.
  • the ability to use higher cool side temperatures may be beneficial in power generation applications, such as, an automotive application for example, by eliminating the need to utilize a radiator or other equipment to cool the coolant to the appropriate temperature.
  • Using thermoelectric materials having a relatively high dimensionless figure of merit ZT at higher operating temperatures may permit the use of such higher coolant temperatures.
  • hot exhaust gas may enter the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device in one of the chambers 255, circulate through the device in a substantially U-shaped pathway, and exit from the other chamber 255. Accordingly, the gas may flow in substantially opposite directions in each of the chambers 255, as will be described in further detail below.
  • a U-shaped flow pattern is exemplary, however, and those skilled in the art would appreciate that a variety of flow paths may be utilized within either the hot or cold source chambers of the thermoelectric generation and catalytic conversion devices of the present teachings.
  • Such flow paths may be created by providing various structures, including but not limited to baffles, walls, valves, diaphragms, etc., within the chambers to control the flow of fluid therethrough.
  • flow in the hot source chambers may be in the same direction, and exhaust from each cylinder in the engine may be split and diverted into each of the hot source chambers of a thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device. In such a case, flow from each chamber may be combined to exit the device out of a single exhaust pipe.
  • any number of hot source chambers may be provided ranging from one to more than one, with each hot source chamber being sandwiched between two cooling source chambers.
  • the one or more cooling source chambers may be disposed on only one side of the one or more hot source chambers, however, such a configuration could result in some reduction in efficiency.
  • thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device 350 includes three hot source chambers 355 each having two corresponding cooling source chambers 375 on either side thereof, thereby disposing the hot source chambers 355 substantially centrally.
  • Hot fluid may circulate through each of the chambers 355 in the same direction or in differing directions (e.g., the direction of flow may be the same direction in two of the chambers 375, which differs from the direction of flow in the third chamber 375).
  • FIG. 4 An exemplary embodiment of the use of baffles and inclined walls to alter the fluid flow path of the exhaust gas circulating through the central hot source chambers 255 is shown in the partial cross-sectional view of the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device 250 in FIG. 4 .
  • the cross-section shown in FIG. 4 shows only the hot source chambers 255 and is taken in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device 250.
  • exhaust gas G may enter into one of the central hot source chambers 255 through an inlet opening 405 that connects in flow communication with an exhaust pipe (not shown in FIG. 4 ) leading from one or more cylinders of the vehicle engine.
  • an exhaust pipe not shown in FIG. 4
  • a series of baffles 410 may separate the two chambers 255 from one another.
  • the baffles 410 may be positioned such that most of the exhaust gas G flowing around a series of inclined walls 415 and 420 in each chamber 455 impinges upon the baffles 410. However, the spacing between consecutive baffles 410 may permit a portion P of the exhaust gas to bypass flowing through the entire lengths of the chambers 255 and flow directly from one chamber 255 to the other.
  • a single wall may be provided that extends substantially the entire length of the chambers 255.
  • the length and positioning of such a wall may be such that gas can flow from one chamber to the next proximate an end of the chambers 255 opposite to the inlet and outlet openings 405 and 425, for example, in the manner shown by the main gas flow G in FIG. 4 .
  • each hot source chamber 255 may be provided with a series of inclined walls to cause the flow of gas G through each chamber 255 to have a tortuous path.
  • each chamber 255 is provided with an alternating arrangement of inclined walls 415 of longer length and inclined walls 420 of shorter length.
  • the walls 415 and 420 may be inclined at approximately 45°, although other angles of inclination are considered within the scope of the present teachings and may be selected to achieve desired mixing and/or gas flow patterns.
  • the inclined walls 415, 420 and the baffles 410 (or single wall) separating the chambers 255 may be configured to cause the gas G to flow from one chamber 255 to the other in a generally U-shaped flow path, while achieving a tortuous flow path within each chamber 255, as depicted in FIG. 4 .
  • the tortuous flow path and bypass portion P of the gas G may create a turbulent flow that enhances molecule interactions and uniform temperature within the central chambers 255. Such effects may enhance both heat transfer, by providing a more uniform heat transfer to the thermoelectric elements, and catalytic conversion reactions.
  • the chambers 255 in addition to being provided with baffles and/or inclined walls 415, 420, may be provided with fins (not shown in FIGS. 4 or 5 for simplification purposes) that are configured to promote heat transfer and/or catalytic conversion by, for example, increasing the heat transfer and catalytic surface area within the hot source chambers 255. In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , such fins may be provided on either or both sides of the baffles 410 and/or along the inner surface wall portions defining the chambers 255.
  • FIG. 5 a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of the four-cylinder engine block 100 of FIG. 1 is shown with the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion devices 150 corresponding to each cylinder 120 of the engine block 100.
  • the cross-section shown in FIG. 5 is taken in a plane lying substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cylinders 120 and the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion devices 150.
  • the chambers 255 shown in FIG. 5 are depicted without fins for simplicity, however, those having skill in the art will appreciate that the chambers 255 may include fins.
  • thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion devices of the present teachings may permit relatively large substrates (e.g., on the order of 100 mm x 200 mm) to be used without generating too much stress even when subjected to relatively large thermal gradients.
  • relatively large footprint thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device may permit a single device to be used and placed across two or more of the cylinders of the engine block, with appropriate flow communication structures to flow the exhaust from the engine into the device.
  • thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device per cylinder, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 .
  • the material of the cylinder block 100 e.g., including aluminum cylinder blocks
  • Such a thermal mismatch may pose connection challenges and undesirable stress where the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion devices are joined with the engine block 100.
  • the CTE mismatch may be managed locally by a flat-to-flat connection between the devices 150 and the cylinder block 100.
  • the flat-to-flat connection may permit the opposing surfaces of the devices 150 and the cylinder block 100 to slip laterally relative to each other during thermal dilatation without losing air tightness and/or causing undesirable stress.
  • internal surface portions 258 of the hot source chambers 255 may include fins 260 for increasing the surface area carrying the catalyst and also enhancing thermal exchanges.
  • the fins 260 may be arranged on the long sides of the chambers 255; however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the fins 260 could have numerous arrangements without departing from the scope of the present teachings.
  • the fins 260 may be micro fins molded during the forming of the substrate layers 282 and 284, respectively, exemplary embodiments of which will be described in more detail below.
  • the height h f of the fins 260 may range from about 100 micrometers ( ⁇ m) to about 3 mm, for example, the height h f may be about 1 mm. Further, the fins 260 may have a width w f at their base ranging from about 40 ⁇ m to about 1 mm, for example, the width w f may be about 0.4 mm.
  • the fins 260 may be tapered, for example, presenting a cone or truncated-cone configuration with a base adjacent the inner surface 258 of the chambers 255.
  • the angle of taper from the base to a free end of the fins may range from about 5° to about 20°, for example, about 15°.
  • the tapered configuration of the fins 260 may enhance heat transfer and also may facilitate removal during the molding process.
  • the pitch p between adjacent fins 260 may range from about 0.2 mm to about 5 mm, for example, the pitch p may be about 1 mm pitch.
  • the configuration of the fins may be altered to achieve, for example, desired surface area, heat exchange and/or catalyst interaction characteristics.
  • the fins 260 may carry catalytic particles, including high-temperature catalytic materials, such as, for example, Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd), and/or Rhodium (Rh).
  • a wash coat deposition technique with which those having skill in the art are familiar, may be utilized to provide the fins 260, and any other interior surface portions of the hot source chambers, with catalytic particles.
  • thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion devices may be made of a relatively low CTE material, such as, for example, a relatively low CTE glass ceramic material, including but not limited to, for example, the materials described in WO 2008/106099 .
  • materials suitable for forming the main body portion of the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion devices in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present teachings may exhibit one or more of the following: chemical resistance to exhaust or other post-combustion waste gases or resistance to oxidation at post-combustion exposure temperatures; a low thermal expansion coefficient (CTE), less than about 30 x 10 -7 °C -1 , for example, ranging from about 10 x 10 -7 °C -1 to about 20 x 10 -7 °C -1 , at the operating temperatures of interest (from about 20 °C to about 1000 °C); a relatively high thermal conductivity of, for example, above about 2.5 W/m*K in a temperature range of about, for example, 20 °C to about 1000 °C to achieve sufficient thermal conduction on the cold side of the thermoelectric layer, thereby promoting thermal gradient establishment within thermoelectric elements; a relatively large heat capacity for slowing down warming or cooling rates, which may be beneficial either for fast catalytic reaction or light off, and for
  • Exemplary materials that may be used to form the substrates of the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion devices in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present teachings include, but are not limited to, cordierite ceramic, cordierite glass ceramic, lithium aluminosilicate glass ceramic, and silicides, such as, for example, silicon nitride ceramic.
  • One exemplary material that may be used to form the substrates of the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion devices in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present teaching is cordierite.
  • Cordierite has a relatively low thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) that ranges from about 10 X 10 -7 to about 20 x 10 -7 °C -1 at temperatures ranging from about 100 °C to about 900 °C; a relatively high thermal conductivity ranging from about 1.5 W/m*K to about 4 W/m*K; a relatively large heat capacity ranging from about 0.8 J/g/°C to about 0.9 J/g/°C; and a heat resistance about 1000°C.
  • CTE thermal expansion coefficient
  • thermoelectric elements of various exemplary embodiments may comprise p- and n-type semiconductor materials, with which those having ordinary skill in art are familiar. Such materials include, for example, Bismuth Telluride. However, Bismuth Telluride typically is used in relatively low temperature applications, for example, on the order of about 150 °C. When used in a post-combustion application, such as, for example, in an automotive application as described herein, it may be desirable to use a material for the thermoelectric elements that is able to withstand relatively high temperatures and high temperature gradients. Further, when used in a consumer application, such as, for example, in an automotive vehicle, it may be desirable to use thermoelectric element materials that do no present toxicity concerns.
  • thermoelectric element materials that minimize the differential dilatation effects between the main body portion (e.g., glass ceramic substrates) of the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device and the thermoelectric elements. Excessive differential dilation can cause undesired mechanical stresses and failure of the device structure.
  • suitable materials for thermoelectric elements may exhibit a relatively low CTE ranging, for example, from about 60 x 10 -7 °C -1 to about 100 x 10 -7 °C -1 for temperatures ranging from about 100 °C to about 900 °C, a relatively high heat resistance of about 1 W/m*K (Watts per meters-Kelvin) to about 3 W/mK, and a relatively high dimensionless figure of merit ZT, for example ranging from about 0.6 to about 1.2, for example, from about 1.0 to about 1.5, in a temperature ranging from about 100 °C to about 900 °C.
  • oxide thermoelectric materials may be used, as they may be non-toxic and capable of withstanding high temperatures as their sintering occurs at temperatures ranging from about 1000 °C to about 1300 °C.
  • oxides of manganite, cobaltite, and tin include, for example, oxides of manganite, cobaltite, and tin.
  • thermoelectric elements Another material exhibiting desirable properties that may be used for the p- and n-type thermoelectric elements in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present teachings is doped silicon-germanium alloy, for example, phosphorus doped Si 0,8 Ge 0,2 .
  • This alloy has a relatively low CTE ranging from about 40 X10 -7 °C -1 to about 50 X10 -7 °C -1 , can operate at high temperatures ranging from about 1000 °C to about 1200 °C, and has a relatively high dimensionless figure of merit, for example, about 0.8 at 1000 °C.
  • thermoelectric elements may be formed using a hot-forming technique, such as, for example, a hot-pressing or hot-rolling technique according to a process described in international application publication WO 2008/106161, which published on September 4, 2008 , and is entitled "METHODS FOR FORMING COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING GLASS,".
  • a hot-forming technique such as, for example, a hot-pressing or hot-rolling technique according to a process described in international application publication WO 2008/106161, which published on September 4, 2008 , and is entitled "METHODS FOR FORMING COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING GLASS,”.
  • thermoelectric elements that may be used for the exemplary embodiments of the present teachings.
  • various electrode materials such as, for example, silver, gold, platinum, palladium, platinum/palladium alloys, and/or silver coated copper or nickel, may be used for the electrodes.
  • the electrodes used to connect the thermoelectric elements for example, electrodes 276 depicted in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 , may be in the form of ductile electrodes configured to survive exposure to temperatures of up to about 1000 °C.
  • the electrodes may be deposited as a paste (e.g., a silver or gold paste) on the appropriate surface portions of the substrates, for example in the series of cavities formed in the substrate layers 282, 284, 294, and 296 in FIG. 2 , and the thermoelectric elements 272, 273 may be implanted in the paste.
  • the implanted thermoelectric elements and paste may be heated to cure the paste to form the electrodes (e.g., electrodes 276 in FIG. 2 ) and/or bond the thermoelectric elements thereto.
  • the curing may be performed at a temperature ranging from about 650 °C to about 1300 °C for about 1 hour or more. In various exemplary embodiments, the curing may occur after the substrate layers are sealed together.
  • thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion devices of the present teachings may have a main body portion that is formed from a plurality of substrate layers (e.g., made of relatively low CTE material, such as a glass ceramic, as discussed above) defining various cavities that, when sealed together, form the various chambers for fluid circulation and for implanting and housing the thermoelectric elements.
  • substrate layers e.g., made of relatively low CTE material, such as a glass ceramic, as discussed above
  • two substrate layers 282 and 284 defining cavities on one side thereof may be sealed together such that their respective cavities face one another and together form the hot source chambers 255.
  • the cold source chambers 275 may be formed by two similar substrate layers 292 and 294 forming the bottom cold source chambers in FIG. 2 and substrate layers 296 and 298 forming the top.
  • each of the substrate layers 282, 284, 292, 294, and 296 each also defines a series of smaller cavities on a surface opposite to the cavities defining the hot source 255 and cold source chambers 275, respectively.
  • the cavities in that series are configured to receive the thermoelectric elements 272 and 273; the thermoelectric elements 272 and 273 being secured between the substrate layers 294 and 282, and 296 and 284, respectively, and bonded thereto via the electrodes 276.
  • the substrates present a thinner region. Such a thinner region may enhance heat transfer from the chambers 255 or 275 to the thermoelectric elements 272, 273.
  • the thinner regions of the substrates 282, 284, 294, and 296 may range from about 0.4 mm to about 0.8 mm, for example, about 0.5 mm, while the overall thickness of the substrates 282, 284, 294, and 296 may range from about 3 mm to about 15 mm.
  • the substrate layers may be hot formed, for example, by hot-pressing or hot-rolling techniques, as disclosed in WO 2008/106161 , .
  • formation of the substrate layers forming the cold source chambers may be formed using hot formed molds, such as, for example, graphite molds.
  • a double-sided pressing operation may be useful to form on one side of a substrate layer one or more cavities for forming the hot or cold source chamber and, on the opposite side, one or more cavities for receiving the thermoelectric elements.
  • WO 2008/106161 for a further explanation of such a double-sided hot pressing operation that may be used to form the substrates and corresponding cavities of the substrates of various exemplary embodiments of the present teachings.
  • the individual substrate layers may be sealed to each other by thermal sealing or frit sealing, for example utilizing a softer glass frit material as a sealing medium, in a thermal cycle that occurs during or after a ceramization cycle.
  • thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion devices of the present teachings For a further description of exemplary techniques useful for making the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion devices of the present teachings, reference is made to WO 2008/106099 ,. Those having skill in the art will appreciate various other techniques that may be used to form the thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion devices of the present teachings and that the exemplary techniques described herein are nonlimiting.
  • thermoelectric energy and catalytic conversion devices in accordance with the present teachings.
  • the devices in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present teachings may save space, reduce cost, promote efficiency, and be environmentally-friendly.
  • thermoelectric energy generation and catalytic conversion device to achieve desired energy and catalytic conversion, without departing from the scope of the present teachings.
  • various modifications may be made to the methods of making the devices described herein without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

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Claims (23)

  1. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (150, 350), umfassend:
    wenigstens eine Heißquellenkammer (255, 355), die dazu ausgelegt ist, ein heißes Fluid aufzunehmen, wobei die wenigstens eine Heißquellenkammer (255, 355) dazu ausgelegt ist, eine katalytische Umwandlung des darin aufgenommen heißen Fluids durchzuführen,
    wenigstens eine Kaltquellenkammer (275, 375), die dazu ausgelegt ist, ein Kühlmittel aufzunehmen, und
    mehrere thermoelektrische Elemente (272, 273, 773) in thermischem Austausch mit der wenigstens einen Heißquellenkammer (255, 355) und der wenigstens einen Kaltquellenkammer (275, 375), wobei die thermoelektrischen Elemente (272, 273, 773) dazu ausgelegt sind, ein elektrisches Potential zu erzeugen, wenn sie einem Temperaturgradienten ausgesetzt sind,
    wobei die wenigstens eine Heißquellenkammer (255, 355) und die wenigstens eine Kaltquellenkammer (275, 375) aus einem Material gebildet sind, das einen relativ geringen Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten von weniger als 30 x 10-7 °C-1 bei Temperaturen im Bereich von 20 °C bis 1000 °C aufweist.
  2. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (150, 350) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die wenigstens eine Heißquellenkammer (255, 355) und die wenigstens eine Kaltquellenkammer (275, 375) aus einem Glaskeramikmaterial gebildet sind.
  3. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (150, 350) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 2, wobei das Material, das einen relativ geringen Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten aufweist, aus Cordieritkeramik, Cordieritglaskeramik, Lithiumaluminiumsilicatglaskeramik und Silicidmaterialien ausgewählt ist.
  4. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (150, 350) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei die wenigstens eine Heißquellenkammer (255, 355) mehrere Rippen (260) umfaßt.
  5. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (255, 355) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei die wenigstens eine Kaltquellenkammer (275, 375) dazu ausgelegt ist, ein Kühlmittel von einem Kraftfahrzeugkühlsystem aufzunehmen.
  6. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (255, 355) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei die wenigstens eine Heißquellenkammer (255, 355) dazu ausgelegt ist, Abgas von einem Verbrennungsmotor aufzunehmen.
  7. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (150, 350) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, ferner umfassend mehrere Substrate (282, 284, 292, 294), die ein Material umfassen, das einen relativ geringen Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten von weniger als 30 x 10-7 °C-1 bei Temperaturen im Bereich von 20 °C bis 1000 °C aufweist, wobei die Substrate Hohlräume begrenzen und so zusammengefügt sind, daß sie die wenigstens eine Heißquellenkammer (255, 355) und die wenigstens eine Kaltquellenkammer (275, 375) bilden.
  8. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (150, 350) nach Anspruch 7, wobei die mehreren thermoelektrischen Elemente (272, 273, 773) zwischen den beiden Substraten (282-294, 284-296) angeordnet sind und in thermischem Austausch mit der Heißquellenkammer (255, 355) auf einer ersten Seite der thermoelektrischen Elemente und in thermischem Austausch mit der Kaltquellenkammer (275, 375) auf einer zweiten gegenüberliegenden Seite der thermoelektrischen Elemente stehen.
  9. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (150, 350) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei sie eine im wesentlichen planare geschichtete Substratkonfiguration mit mittleren Substratschichten (282, 284), die die Heißquellenkammern (255, 355) bilden, und mit äußeren Substratschichten (292, 294, 296, 298), die die Kaltquellenkammern (275, 375) bilden, aufweist.
  10. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (150, 350) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, wobei die thermoelektrischen Elemente (272, 273, 773) aus Materialien hergestellt sind, die aus Oxiden von Manganit, Kobaltit und Zinn ausgewählt sind.
  11. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (150, 350) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10, wobei die thermoelektrischen Elemente (272, 273, 773) aus einer dotierten Silicium-Germanium-Legierung hergestellt sind.
  12. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (150, 350) nach Anspruch 11, wobei die thermoelektrischen Elemente (272, 273, 773) mittels einer Warmpreß- oder Warmwalztechnik hergestellt sind.
  13. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (150, 350) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 12, wobei die thermoelektrischen Elemente (272, 273, 773) p-leitende und n-leitende Elemente umfassen.
  14. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (150, 350) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 13, ferner umfassend Elektroden (276, 776) in elektrischem Kontakt mit den mehreren thermoelektrischen Elementen.
  15. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (150, 350) nach Anspruch 14, wobei die Elektroden (276, 776) eine härtbare Leitpaste umfassen.
  16. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (150, 350) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 15, wobei die Heißquellenkammer (255, 355) eine einen Katalysator enthaltende Grundierung umfaßt.
  17. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (150, 350) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 16, wobei die Heißquellenkammer (255, 355) mehrere Trennwände (410) und geneigte Wände (415, 420) umfaßt, die dazu ausgelegt sind, Turbulenzen in dem heißen Fluid, das durch die Heißquellenkammer (255, 355) fließt, hervorzurufen.
  18. Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung (150, 350) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 17, wobei die Energieumwandlungsvorrichtung dazu ausgelegt ist, an einem Motorblock eines Kraftfahrzeuges über eine Flach-an-flach-Verbindung befestigt zu sein.
  19. Verfahren zum Umwandeln von Wärme in elektrische Energie, wobei das Verfahren umfaßt:
    Strömenlassen eines heißen Fluids durch wenigstens eine Heißquellenkammer (255, 355), die aus einem Material gebildet ist, das einen relativ geringen Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten von weniger als 30 x 10-7 °C-1 bei Temperaturen im Bereich von 20 °C bis 1000 °C aufweist,
    Durchführen einer katalytischen Umwandlung des heißen Fluids, das durch die Heißquellenkammer fließt,
    Strömenlassen eines Kühlmittels durch wenigstens eine Kaltquellenkammer (275, 375), die aus einem Material gebildet ist, das einen relativ geringen Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten von weniger als 30 x 10-7 °C-1 bei Temperaturen im Bereich von 20 °C bis 1000 °C aufweist, und
    Erzeugen eines Temperaturgradienten über mehrere thermoelektrische Elemente (272, 273, 773) über thermischen Austausch zwischen den mehreren thermoelektrischen Elementen und der wenigstens einen Heißquellen- und der wenigstens einen Kaltquellenkammer, und
    Erzeugen eines elektrischen Potentials über die mehreren thermoelektrischen Elemente.
  20. Verfahren nach Anspruch 19, wobei das Material der wenigstens einen Heißquellenkammer (255, 355) und der wenigstens einen Kaltquellenkammer (275, 375), das einen relativ geringen Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten aufweist, ein Glaskeramikmaterial umfaßt.
  21. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 19 bis 20, wobei Strömenlassen des heißen Fluids durch die wenigstens eine Heißquellenkammer (255, 355) Strömenlassen eines Abgases von einem Verbrennungsmotor durch die wenigstens eine Heißquellenkammer (255, 355) umfaßt.
  22. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 19 bis 21, wobei Strömenlassen des Kühlmittels durch die wenigstens eine Kaltquellenkammer (275, 375) Strömenlassen des Kühlmittels von einem Kraftfahrzeugkühlmittelsystem durch die wenigstens eine Kaltquellenkammer (275, 375) umfaßt.
  23. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 19 bis 22, ferner umfassend Erzeugen von Turbulenzen in einem Strom des heißen Fluids, während das heiße Fluid durch die wenigstens eine Heißquellenkammer (255, 355) strömt.
EP08305734.9A 2008-10-27 2008-10-27 Energieumwandlungsvorrichtungen und Verfahren Not-in-force EP2180534B1 (de)

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US13/125,396 US20110197941A1 (en) 2008-10-27 2009-10-23 Energy conversion devices and methods
PCT/US2009/061764 WO2010051219A1 (en) 2008-10-27 2009-10-23 Energy conversion devices and methods
CN2009801436960A CN102197202A (zh) 2008-10-27 2009-10-23 能量转换装置和方法
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CN102197202A (zh) 2011-09-21
JP2012508342A (ja) 2012-04-05
EP2180534A1 (de) 2010-04-28
US20110197941A1 (en) 2011-08-18
KR20110075045A (ko) 2011-07-05
WO2010051219A1 (en) 2010-05-06

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